How to correct a crooked canter?

[Jenn_and_Benji]

Hi guys,

I am having some trouble with cantering on the left rein, ie clockwise. My horse canters with his quarters in/nose out in this direction which means we always lose marks here in dressage tests. He is fine in trot, presumably because he finds it easier to balance in trot in a small arena. I try to keep a good contact on my outside rein and use lots of inside leg, but we are still not going in a straight line!

Can anyone help? Perhaps recommend some exercises?

Thanks!

[Volvic]

Are you having regular lessons? It may be easier for someone to see whats going on from the ground than for you on top. If you are not having regular lessons, it would be a good idea to have a couple or to ask an experienced friend to watch you from the ground.

Could you try bending his neck to the left more - this may bring the quarters out, especially when backed up with lots of inside leg.

Good luck :D

[Jenn_and_Benji]

ok thanks for your help.

I don't have regular lessons due to my financial situation...and location....but I do manage them every 6 weeks or so. I will mention it to my instructor.

Thanks!

[cvb]

shallow loops down the long side.

Also check you are not using too much outside leg - i.e. he may actually be doing what you ask !

It might help to think of moving his shoulder in front of his hips, rather than taking his hips out. So almost think of riding in shoulder-fore (which in this case will bring you straight, rather than in).

[Tootsie4U]

Originally posted by cvb


Also check you are not using too much outside leg - i.e. he may actually be doing what you ask !




LIGHTBULB!!!! :eek:

[cvb]

Yeah - we tend to forget that the aids for the transition are not necessarily the aids we need to maintain canter.

i.e. your horse may need more outside leg to initiate the canter, but less to keep it going :p

[TT11]

This is a fairly common problem and when I had it with my arab my instructor told me to think of riding shoulders fore down the long sides to correct the straightness. It made quite a difference.